I received a tiny vial of Nude as a sample and when my go-to moisturizers started to fail, gave it a try. I found it a bit oily at first, but given five minutes it absorbed quite nicely. I’m sensitive to break-outs and despite its oily nature, it actually helped heal up some zits, and no new ones took their place. The product is formulated without all the nasties (parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, etc.) and is designed to deliver “deep and long lasting skin cell nourishment, revealing skin that appears lit from within.” Does it? After a week I’ve seen a huge improvement in my skin. It’s more even, moisturized with fewer fine lines, and does look nourished and healthy. I use it under my regular moisturizer for an added boost.

Clinique Superprimer Face Primer to Correct Sallowness

While I was waiting for the oil to take effect I tried two different primers to “fake” the healthy glow. No amount of foundation or glittery, shimmery powders was giving my skin a realistic “luminous” effect; I merely looked like I’d been attacked by a fairy. The above comes in a range of shades to address a host of issues, from redness to overall discolorations. It’s oil-free and glides on almost invisibly, but leaves you a nice smooth canvas for your foundation or powders. Overall I wasn’t incredibly impressed. No break-outs and as a primer it worked great, but the effect was more subtle than I wanted. I think this is better suited for individuals whose “sallowness” is slight and their skin needs a only gentle nudge towards the glow, and you’re primarily after…well, a primer.

Benefit “That Gal” Brightening Primer

The holy grail of brightening face primers has to be, in my book, Benefit’s “That Gal.” It does a terrific job as a primer but does an even better job of creating the touted “lit-from-within” healthy glow that most everyone needs in winter, and anyone whose been sick or injured needs an extra dose of. No break-outs, no glitter, just a luminous sheen that manages to find its way through both foundation and powder to create that I-just-came-in-from-a-run (or perhaps was-just-kissing-my-sweetie) flush. Best part, I can see it working great in the summer beneath some bronzer for a more realistic sun-kissed look.

Goodreads

Live A Little

“Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” - Anthony Bourdain

Never Diet

“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart.” - Erma Bombeck

Mark Twain had IBD and liked it?

“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” - Mark Twain

Eat, Read, Try Not to Think About Food

“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.”
— C.S. Lewis. (We're going to have to amend that to "Reading is a pleasure that combines admirably with trying not to think about how unpleasantly hungry you are." - MyGutsForGarters.)